Take on the high rope challenge at Go Ape, Itchen Valley Country Park near Southampton

Go Ape

Itchen Valley Country Park, Southampton

What's On in Hampshire

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Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.

What's on in Portsmouth, Southampton & Winchester?

2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do.  The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront  — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.

What's on in the Hampshire countryside?

Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.

From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.

Gin Cocktail Masterclass at Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Top Events in Hampshire

Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.

What's on in Hampshire this weekend?

To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break. 

Staying overnight?

If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.

>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation

Hampshire events near me

The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island. 

What's on in Hampshire

Inspiration

  1. BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair
    1. 1 May 20263 May 2026
  2. Winchester Books Festival 2026
    Winchester is a city steeped in history and with…
    1. 17 Apr 202619 Apr 2026

Number of results:

Number of results: 151

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Steamship Shieldhall Cruise to the Isle of Wight and the Medina River

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Join us on an exciting cruise when Shieldhall will venture into the Medina River on the Isle of Wight! On our way down Southampton Water we will pass the cruise ships Celebrity Apex, Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Oceania Insignia and Seven Seas Grandeur at…

    Dates

    From:
    6 June 2026Open 13:00 - 17:30
  2. Steamship Shieldhall Eastern Solent Cruise

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    The Palmerston Forts built around Britain in the second half of the 19th century represent the country’s largest ever defensive building program in peacetime. Ranging from small gun positions and bunkers to huge walled forts several acres in size,…

    Dates

    From:
    7 June 2026Open 11:00 - 18:00
  3. Simply BMW

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply BMW on Sunday 20 September 2026.

    BMW owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum parkland for a superb day out for enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  4. Fireworks Display

    Type

    Type:

    Fireworks

    Portsmouth

    The Portsmouth Fireworks Display returns for 2026, with a spectacular event planned for Southsea Common.

    Dates

    From:
    3 Nov 2026Open 16:00 - 20:00
  5. Owls by Moonlight

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Weyhill

    This spring, venture out into the night with the beautiful owls at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Experience the mystical owls' graceful, silent flights in and out of the darkness in two enthralling flying displays.
    Before the flying displays, there…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Feb 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
    From:
    28 Feb 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
    From:
    7 Mar 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
    From:
    14 Mar 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
    From:
    21 Mar 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
  6. Simply Aston Martin

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Aston Martin on Sunday 23 August 2026.

    All Aston Martin owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both Aston Martin owners and…

    Dates

    From:
    23 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  7. Feb Fest at Thorness Bay

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Cowes

    As the name suggests, Feb Fest is all about bringing those energetic festival vibes to your half-term holiday. Expect a packed itinerary of exciting free activities, meet-and-greets with the kids’ favourite characters, live music, and more. Sounds…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Feb 2026to20 Feb 2026
  8. Young Makers Weave A Wall Hanging Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Basingstoke

    Join us for a creative and hands-on weaving experience at Whitchurch Silk Mill! In this fun workshop, you'll learn the basics of weaving and design your very own colourful wall hanging to take home.

    Using beautiful yarns and threads, you'll explore…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Feb 2026Open 10:30 - 13:30
  9. Sandown Children's Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Sandown

    Children's Carnival in Sandown on the Isle of Wight Enjoy a fun-filled family day with Sandown Children's Carnival!  

    Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.

    Family entertainment There will be a…

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026
  10. Outdoor Theatre: The Great Gatsby

    Type

    Type:

    Performing Arts

    New Forest

    This Is My Theatre presents The Great Gatsby on Thursday 13 August 2026.

    Step into the roaring 1920s, where the champagne flows, the jazz trumpet blows, and the American Dream gleams with irresistible allure. This electrifying stage adaptation of F…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 20:00
  11. Ventnor Children's Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Ventnor

    Children's Carnival in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight Fun for all the family at Ventnor Children's Carnival! 

    Carnival route information For the route details please visit the carnival website.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2026
  12. Simply Mercedes

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Mercedes on Sunday 9 August 2026.

    All Mercedes-Benz owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the museum grounds for a superb day out for owners and enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  13. Simply Japanese

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Japanese on Sunday 19 July 2026.

    Set in the parkland of the National Motor Museum, the rally is open to all ages and models of Japanese cars and motorcycles and is always a highlight of the events…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  14. The New Forest and Hampshire County Show 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Brockenhurst

    The New Forest and Hampshire County Show is an annual agricultural show held for three days at the end of July at New Park, Brockenhurst in Hampshire.

    Dates

    From:
    28 July 2026to30 July 2026
  15. Simply Audi

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Audi on Saturday 18 July 2026.

    All Audi owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the National Motor Museum grounds, for a superb day for enthusiasts and owners.

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  16. Van Gogh Alive

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Winchester

    Winchester Science Centre hosts UK premiere of Van Gogh Alive.

    One of the world's most celebrated immersive art experiences is coming to Hampshire. From 22 January to 22 March 2026, Van Gogh Alive will take over Winchester Science Centre, offering…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Jan 2026to22 Mar 2026
  17. Simply Land Rover

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Land Rover on Sunday 5 July 2026.

    All Land Rover owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    5 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  18. Simply French

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply French on Sunday 28 June 2026.

    Owners of all French cars are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the National Motor Museum parkland, for a superb day out for enthusiasts and owners.

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  19. Dickens House Party at The Royal Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Ventnor

    Dickens House Party Weekend on the Isle of Wight Celebrate Charles Dickens at The Royal Hotel's Dickens House Party Weekend taking place from 27 February 2026 to 1 March 2026.

    The weekend will celebrate Charles Dickens' works and strong ties…

    Dates

    From:
    27 Feb 2026to1 Mar 2026
  20. Simply VW

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply VW on Sunday 24 May 2026.

    All VW owners were invited to park up in the National Motor Museum grounds for a superb day for both enthusiasts and owners. All ages and models of VW are welcome, which…

    Dates

    From:
    24 May 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00